SVEN BOLTENSTERN, BOLTENSTERN´S founder, opens the door to the history of foundation of the brand.

Good day, Mr. Boltenstern. We would like to get to know you and your brand closer. Can you tell me when did you first start working with Jewellery and why did you choose it?

I was always a very art-interested person; already at high school, I realized that I would want to work something with my hands, so after finishing high school I started the goldsmith’s apprenticeship right away. My father was an Architect and my whole family very artisan; also music has always been a fix part of our lives.

Why did you create your own brand?

While learning in several workshops I had the opportunity to always realize my own designs. At one point, I felt I am ready to go out and sell – so I made my first collection and took them on a tour through Europe. I was lucky enough to have sold my first collection to Paris at that time, which enabled me to establish my own brand, and workshop, which still exists.

How would you describe the BOLTENSTERN style?

I am always telling the story that I went to see other jewelry stores and creations, not to see what is fashionable but to learn what is not there yet. I always tried to be different from the common style, getting my inspiration from natural shapes as well as the female body.

There are several pictures with Sean Connery, Amyn Aga Khan, Curd Jürgens and you. What was the reason for choosing the Hotel Goldener Hirsch for spending each summer in Salzburg?

Back in the 60s and 70s the Salzburg Festival was a very international gathering of celebrities from all over the world. Long before internet or international pop-up stores existed this was the perfect opportunity to connect to international friends and clientele. Many of the people that I met in Salzburg came from all over the world, which in the next step enabled me to establish the brand on an international level and also organize exhibitions around Europe, in the US, the UAE and Asia.

What is the key of the success of your Jewellery House, which is already more than 50 years offers the unique pieces?

I think there are definitely two key factors; one is the unique design language that I was always aligning to. I have always wanted to realize designs that have never been seen before. The other one is our brand’s international network, which does not only bring the right clients, but more importantly guarantees for best quality of extraordinary stones and materials.

I want to congratulate you with a big success of your daughter, Marie Boltenstern, who was working with SWAROVSKI for Operaball Tiara 2016. Did you plan that your daughter Marie would continue your business?

Thank you, yes I am very proud of my daughter. Her takeover of the brand was very spontaneous and not planned at all. But when she finished her degrees in Architecture and Technology she suddenly saw huge potential in taking over the brand - I am very happy that she took that decision of continuing what I started almost 60 years ago.

How do you find the fresh wind in the new collections using the 3D technologies?

It is great that she is going her own path – her pieces are very different from what I was designing which is good; going with latest possibilities and new knowledge will be her key to succeed in the business.

What can you recommend people who want to have the luxury jewelry?

I can recommend that everyone should have their very unique and individual piece! A piece of luxury jewelry is not only art, it is also an investment for many generations and beyond.

I want to thank you for the interview. We wish you and your daughter all the best!

Thank you!